How Maglev Trains Work

1. Introduction to How Maglev Trains Work 2. The Maglev Track 3. Electrodynamic Suspension (EDS) 4. Maglev Technology In Use 5. Lots More Information 6. See all Engines & Equipment articles Maglev The first commercial maglev line made its debut in December of 2003. Learn about it and other maglev lines in the works. If you’v­e been to an airport lately, you’ve probably noticed that air travel is becoming more and more congested. Despite frequent delays, airplanes still provide the fastest way to travel hundreds or thousands of miles. Passenger air travel revolutionized the transportation industry in the last century, letting people traverse great distances in a matter of hours instead of days or weeks. * How Magnets Work * How Sonic Cruisers Will Work * Discovery.com: Howe and Howe Tech The only alternatives to airplanes — feet, cars, buses, boats and conventional trains — are just too slow for today’s fast-paced society. However, there is a new form of transportation that could revolutionize transportation of the 21st century the way airplanes did in the 20th century. A few countries are using powerful electromagnets to develop high-speed trains, called maglev trains. Maglev is short for magnetic levitation, which means that these trains will float over a guideway using the basic principles of magnets to replace the old steel wheel and track trains. In this article, you will learn how electromagnetic propulsion works, how three specific types of maglev trains work and where you can ride one of these trains. Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS)